How to Keep Your Dog Cool During the Summer Heat
Watching for Signs of Heat Stroke
Your dog is at a greater risk of heat stroke if he is a working dog that exercises outdoors daily, is confined to a crate or kennel, an outdoor dog house or a vehicle. Although your dog needs shelter from the sun, and a kennel may be your only option, be sure the area is well ventilated, shaded and a supply of fresh water is always available.
If your dog is in a crate, turn the metal pan in the bottom of the crate over, and put ice packs under the tray, and towels on top. The ice packs will cool the towels above and provide a comfortable place for your dog to cool his body. Be sure to attach a dog water bottle on the crate so the dog always has access to water. Battery operated fans can also be attached to the crate for extra cooling.
If your dog is confined to the yard, Lixit makes a product called the Lixit Dog Waterer. It's an attachment that you put on the end of your hose or outdoor faucet that becomes a self waterer. Unlike a water bowl, this will never tip over and spill, leaving your dog thirsty. This product is available at PetCo. If your dog has a lot of space in the yard, you may want to invest in an inexpensive baby pool that he can lay in to cool off.
Be sure to keep an eye on your dog during summer walks. At the end of your walk be sure to rub his belly down with a cool wash cloth and offer him a drink.
Dogs regulate their body temperature by panting. Their normal body temperature is 102F.-103F. If the dog's body temperature reaches 108F., heart, brain, liver, kidney and intestinal damage can happen at a quick rate.
If your dog stops panting, and starts breathing heavily, has a dry mouth, a fast heart rate, seems lethargic or collapses, he may be experiencing heat stroke. Wrap him in cool wet towels and offer him a small drink of water. Squeeze a wet wash cloth into his mouth if he is not able to drink on his own and take him to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Published by Angela Tague
Angela Tague has worked in news writing and photography since 1998. After attaining a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Iowa, Tague's journalism career has led to positions at two... View profile
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22 Comments
Post a Commentsounds interesting...
Thanks for the update Nicole! I appreciate your expert insight!
Good article, just one problem. Normal temps for a dog is within 101.5 to 102.5. 103 is considered a fever. I have seen many dogs with heatstroke (I work at an emergency vet hospital) and damage is done way before 108. With a temp that high, your dog is not likely to survive
The best way to keep your pet comfortable during the summer (and the winter) is to buy a PETCool unit. It's a A/C and heater unit that connects to the outside of the doghouse. I wrote an article about my experience with this unit if you're interested: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/212038/product_review_petcool_climate_control.html
Great tips. Thanks
We have Japanese Chin and we only let them outside for thirty minutes at a time-- including walks-- it is just too hot.
I had a dog who liked dressing up. She'd wear a scarf at all times and would get upset when I'd take them off to wash. Great article with important reminders!
Good article - I always worry about those dogs waiting in parked cars in the hot sun while their owners are shopping in air conditioned stores.
Excellant article...thanks for the tips. :)
I would also agree to the same fact.The place where Im staying now is really hot in summer and even humans gets heat stroke more often.So think of other poor animals...??